Have you ever taken a typing test and thought, “Wait… is this speed normal?” You’re definitely not alone. Typing is one of those everyday skills we all use, but most people don’t actually know where they stand.
So, what is the average typing speed today, and what does it mean in real life?
In this guide, we’ll break down what is the average typing speed per minute, what counts as “good,” and how you can improve without feeling overwhelmed. Let’s keep it simple, useful, and human.
What Is the Average Typing Speed?
Let’s get straight to it.
The average typing speed is usually measured in words per minute (WPM). This tells you how many words a person can type correctly in one minute.
For most adults, the average typing speed falls between:
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35 to 45 WPM
That means the typical person types around 40 words per minute during normal computer use.
What Is the Average Typing Speed Per Minute for Different Levels?
Here’s a helpful breakdown:
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Beginner: 20–30 WPM
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Average typist: 35–45 WPM
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Good typist: 50–65 WPM
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Professional typist: 70–90+ WPM
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Expert typist: 100+ WPM
So if you type around 40 WPM, you’re right in the normal range.
Why Typing Speed Matters More Than People Realize
Typing isn’t just about being fast. It affects how efficiently you work or study.
A better typing speed helps you:
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Finish assignments quicker
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Perform better in online exams
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Work faster in office jobs
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Communicate more smoothly
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Save time every single day
Even improving by 10 WPM can make a noticeable difference in productivity.
How Is Typing Speed Measured? (WPM Explained)
Typing speed is calculated using:
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Words per minute (WPM)
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Accuracy percentage
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Error count
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Consistency
A “word” is usually counted as 5 characters, including spaces.
So WPM isn’t just about speed — it rewards accuracy too.
Speed vs Accuracy: What Matters More?
Here’s the truth:
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Speed without accuracy is useless
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Accuracy builds speed naturally
If you want to improve long-term, focus on typing correctly first.
What Is a Good Typing Speed for Students and Jobs?
A “good” typing speed depends on what you need it for.
For students:
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40–55 WPM is a strong level
office work:
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50–65 WPM is ideal
For data entry or professional typing:
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70+ WPM is often expected
So if your goal is career-focused, aiming above average is worth it.
How to Improve Your Average Typing Speed Naturally
If you want to move beyond the average, here are realistic steps that work.
1. Practice Daily (Not Occasionally)
Typing is muscle memory. Even 15 minutes a day beats one long session per week.
2. Use Proper Finger Placement
Learn the home row keys:
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Left hand: A–S–D–F
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Right hand: J–K–L–;
This improves speed and reduces mistakes.
3. Stop Looking at the Keyboard
This is hard at first, but it’s a game changer.
The less you look down, the faster you build real typing skill.
4. Take Typing Speed Tests Regularly
Use free tools like:
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Typing.com
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Keybr.com
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Monkeytype.com
5. Focus on Accuracy Before Speed
Try this approach:
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Type slowly and correctly
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Reduce mistakes
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Increase speed naturally over time
That’s how professional typists improve.
Common Mistakes That Keep People Stuck at Average
Many people stay at 35–45 WPM because they:
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Rush too early
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Ignore accuracy
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Practice inconsistently
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Use only two or three fingers
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Never track progress
Fix these habits, and improvement becomes much easier.
FAQs About Average Typing Speed
What is the average typing -speeds per minute?
The average typing-speed per minute is around 35–45 words per minute (WPM) for most adults.
Is 40 WPM a good typing speeds?
Yes, 40 WPM is considered average and perfectly normal for everyday typing.
How fast do professional typists type?
Professional typists often reach 70–90 WPM, and experts can exceed 100 WPM.
How can I increase my typing speeds quickly?
Practice daily, focus on accuracy, stop looking at the keyboard, and use typing tools like Monkeytype or Typing.com.
Does typing speed matter for jobs?
Yes. Many office and data-entry jobs prefer candidates with 50+ WPM typing speed.
Conclusion
So, what is the average typing speed? For most people, it’s about 35–45 WPM, with 40 WPM being the typical benchmark. The good news is that typing is a skill anyone can improve. With consistent practice, proper technique, and a focus on accuracy, reaching 60+ WPM is completely realistic. If you want to go beyond average, start practicing today — and check out more typing guides or tools to keep improving.
